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Champions for Children 2003
The Belmont Fire Department, located in southern Greenville County, is the first government group to be named a "Champion for Children." To a large extent, prevention of child abuse and neglect is about building relationships - creating support for families where they are, when they need it. As a practical matter, the Belmont fire station is a community center- a place where relationships are built and sustained. In addition to responding to fires and medical emergencies, Chief Tony Segars and his staff do much, much more. For example, they have tutored children who attend East Gantt Elementary School. They link pregnant young women and mothers of newborn children to Parents as Teachers and Healthy Families home visitors. Moreover, the Belmont Fire Department applies family-friendly practices to its own work. Chief Segars accepted the award on behalf of the fire department.
Carolina Refinishing, located in Fountain Inn, is the first small business to be recognized as a "Champion for Children." Carolina Refinishing, a company that refinishes and restores furniture, is exemplary in its support for family life. Work schedules are flexible, and family health care and school programs are acceptable reasons for leaving early or arriving late. Personally contributing both money and time, Chuck Ellisor, owner of Carolina Refinishing, has encouraged his employees to be volunteers for Strong Communities and other community activities. He donated and helped to remodel part of one of his properties for a toy lending library in Fountain Inn- Granny Ellisor’s Toy Library. Mr. Ellisor accepted the award on behalf of the company’s employees.
Cryovac Divison of the Sealed Air Corporation,
located in Simpsonville, is the first large business to be recognized as a "Champion for
Children." Children are safest when people are involved, when they not only believe they can
make a difference, but they do. Providing release time for employees who volunteer in
nonprofit organizations, Cryovac takes this principle seriously. It has been a leading
contributor to the renovation, maintenance and management of the Center for Community Services since
its inception. Watching out for children in the community of which it is a part, Cryovac has
a close relationship with Morton Elementary School that includes tutoring, provision of
back-to-school materials for disadvantaged students and assistance of families of students.
Cryovac also pays attention to the needs of its employees and their families with a number
of benefits such as a comprehensive employee assistance program, tuition for employees to
advance their education and careers, and college scholarships for employees’ children. A
Cryovac representative accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Resurrected Treasure Ministries,
located on Whitehorse Road, was the first faith-based organization to be named a "Champion
for Children." This church strives creatively to meet families’ spiritual, emotional,
physical and social needs. Resurrected Treasure’s contributions to the community include
health screenings, recreation programs, family activities, tutoring, GED classes, parenting
programs, a teen coffeehouse, a computer lab, emergency housing, ooutreach to nearby
apartment complexes, and collaborations with other churches in social ministry. Pastor
Martha Evans accepted the award.
Sue Cleveland Elementary, located in Piedmont, was the first school to be named a "Champion for Children." A key to prevention of child abuse and neglect is that parents believe they can make a difference. Providing support to the 475 children and their families in the Piedmont area, the staff and PTA at Sue Cleveland strive to create a sense of community among parents and children alike - to be a setting in which no parents or children feel left out, regardless of their background or means. Sue Cleveland is a welcoming place that serves as a center of the community. Principal Karen Chambers accepted the award on behalf of the school.
2003 Award Recipients
2004 Award Recipients
2005 Award Recipients